0 - I-1- - D ir 0- __r U- N, ¾ C) (Attached in pocketi on right reside fiap) L PREPARED AND APPROVED FOR ISSUE ISSUING CLASSIFICATION ORIGINAL CROSS REFERENCE(S) CLASS SUBCLASS CLASS SUBCLASS (ONE SUBCLASS PER BLOCK) /5r, Q/Z21½ 297-1 ______ INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION 25 /1 7- 3 .C2 ' _ _ _ _ _ Conliniupd on Issue Slip Inside File Jacket TERMINAL DRAWINGS CLAIMS ALLOWED LIIDISCLAIMER Sheets Drwg. Figs. Drwg, Print Fig. Total Claims iPrint Claim for OG ____ ___ ___ 5 M VA 13/ Ia) The term of this patent .- NOTICE OF AILLOWANCE MAILED subsequent to --- ---- (date) has been disclaimed, (Assistaini 1vamrriser) (oaie) 1 b) The term of this patent shall not extend beyond the expiration date of U.S Patent. No RWL -CNIPEFEE //IYFXMN Aon Due Date Paid ------- (Plrimary Exarinier) ilare) Ic) The terminal months of Jj /iISSUE ~THNME this patent have bteen disclaimed.I giisrrnri erie)(as WARNING: The Information discloSed herein may be restricted. U.naruthorized disclosure may he~ prohihit(0r hy the Unmited states Code Ttr,35, Sections 122. 181 arnd 368. Posceission outside lhe U S Patent & Trademark Office Is restricted to authorized emnployees and contradiors only. smsv) skd't LABEL AREA) S. COLE QUERY IMse Fee In File (FACM'r rU)1 in Zr 0~ PATENT NUMBER 6983436 59g3 435 U.S. UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION ro"rm TO-436A 11nev I10197) ol 111RI 1ý
Transcript
0 -
I-1- - D
ir 0- __rU-
N,
¾
C)
(Attached in pocketi on right reside fiap)
L PREPARED AND APPROVED FOR ISSUE
ISSUING CLASSIFICATIONORIGINAL CROSS REFERENCE(S)
CLASS SUBCLASS CLASS SUBCLASS (ONE SUBCLASS PER BLOCK)
/5r, Q/Z21½ 297-1 ______
INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION 25
/1 7- 3 .C2 ' _ _ _ _ _
Conliniupd on Issue Slip Inside File Jacket
TERMINAL DRAWINGS CLAIMS ALLOWEDLIIDISCLAIMER Sheets Drwg. Figs. Drwg, Print Fig. Total Claims iPrint Claim for OG
____ ___ ___ 5 M VA 13/
Ia) The term of this patent .- NOTICE OF AILLOWANCE MAILEDsubsequent to --- ---- (date)has been disclaimed, (Assistaini 1vamrriser) (oaie)
1 b) The term of this patent shallnot extend beyond the expiration dateof U.S Patent. No RWL -CNIPEFEE
//IYFXMN Aon Due Date Paid
------- (Plrimary Exarinier) ilare)
Ic) The terminal months of Jj /iISSUE ~THNME
this patent have bteen disclaimed.I giisrrnri erie)(as
WARNING:The Information discloSed herein may be restricted. U.naruthorized disclosure may he~ prohihit(0r hy the Unmited states Code Ttr,35, Sections 122. 181 arnd 368.Posceission outside lhe U S Patent & Trademark Office Is restricted to authorized emnployees and contradiors only.
Primary Examiner-Randall Ei. ChinAttorney, Agent, or Firrn-Howson and Hlowson
[57] ABSTRACT
A bathling implement for use in cleansing and exfoliatingskin which can also be utilized as a bath toy by a child or anadult. '1he bathing implement includes a washcloth compo-nent and a collar component which attaches about a portionof the washcloth so that at least one end portion of thewashcloth flares outwardly from the collar. Preferably. thewashcloth is a flexible mesh sponge and the collar issleeve-shaped and made of foam or any number of othermaterials.
13 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
E
-G
U.S PaentNov. 16, 1999 Sheet II of 3 5,983,435
F IG. 2
FIG. I
B
F IG. 3A F I G. 38
U.S. Patent
U.S. Patent Nv 6 99 Set2o ,8,3
E
G
L
J
--H
F IG. 4IA
51983,435Nov.16,1999 Sheet 2 of 3
U.S. Patent Nov. 16, 1999 Sheet 3 of 3 5,983,435
E
/N
I-
N,
L
F IG. 4B
5M93,4351
BATHING ENMPLEMENT
This application claims benefit of provisional Set. No.W,.064.932 filed Nov. 7. 1997.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a baffling implement foruse during a bath or shower, and more particularly, thepresent invention relates to a washcloth type of implementwhich is useful with soap to cleanse and exfoliate skin, andwhich includes decorative features so that it can be used asa bath toy.
BACKGROUND4T OF THE IN-VENTION
Most people utilize their hands, or a washcloth, to lathersoap and apply the lathered soap to the body during bathing.More recently. sponges. netting or mesh material have beenutilized as washcloths since they also provide an exfoliationjunction. Common mesh sponges are normally provided ina substantially ball-like shape and include a string whichenables the sponges to be hung until further use.
A common problem experienced with children. particu-larly young children, is that they often dislike bathing. Onesolution to this problem is the use of bath toys which helpmake a bath more enjoyable for the child. Another commonproblem is that young children often do not apply. or find itdifficult to apply. a sufficient amount of lathered soap ontheir own to their bodies.
Although known washcloths, particularly washclothsintended for use by children. may be satisfactory for theirintended purposes, there is a need for an improved bathingimplement which can be used with a soap product to cleanand exfoliate skin and which is useful as a bath toy to makebathing fun and easy for young children.
OBJECTS OF TIME INVENTION
With the foregoing in mind, a primary object of thepresent invention is to provide a bathing sponge which canbc used by children and adults in a practical manner tocleanse and exfoliate skin, and in a playful manner as a toy.
Another object of the present invention is to provide abathing implement which can be readily and effectively usedby children, which can be easily grasped by the hand of ayoung child, and which is readily stored and dried byhanging it in the shower when not in use.
A still further object of the present invention is to providea bathing implement and bath novelty itera/toy which pro-vides an aesthetically pleasing bathing-area decoration sothat a child-inviting atmosphere is created.
SUMMARY OF THE iNVENTION
More specifically. the present invention provides a bath-ing implement which comprises a washcloth, mesh sponge,or the like, and a collar which attaches about a portion of thewashcloth so that one or both end portions of the washclothflare outwardly from the collar. The washcloth is used duringa bath or shower to apply lather to cleanse and/or exfoliatethe skin of the bather. The collar enables the bathingimplement to be utilized as a baih toy. particularly if thecollar has decorative features, such as the face of a popularchildren's character.
BRIEF DESCRITIfON OF TILE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantagesof the present invention should become apparent fromn the
2following description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. in which:
HIG. I is a perspective exploded view of an unassembledbathing implement according to the present invention:-5 FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an assembled bathingimplement embodying the present invention:
HIG. 3A is a front elevational view of the collar portion ofthe present invention;
10 HIG. 311 is a top plan view of the collar illustrated in FIG.3A;
FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of an alternativeembodiment of a bathing imnplemnent/novelty item accordingto the present invention; and
HsFG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of the bathingimnplement/novelty item of FIG. 4A with an inner portion ofthe collar illustrated in dashed lines.
DETAILED DESCRHM~TON OF TI-EPREFERRED EMBODIMENT
HIG. 2 illustrates a bathing implement embodying thepresent invention. The bathing implement includes a wash-cloth component. A. and a collar component. B.T'he wash-cloth component. A. can be any type of. but not limited to.
2- sponge, mesh, netting, terry cloth, PVA. cotton or likematerial, but is preferably a mesh sponge having a flexibleball-like shape and a string, D. for hanging the mesh sponge.The collar component. B. can be made of. but not Limited to.foam. plastic. PU, rubber. Rotocast, PVC. terry cloth, or like
30 material. Preferably, the collar. B. is ring-shaped. or sleeve-shaped, and has a central hollow channel, C.
As illustrated in HIG. 1. and by way of example. thebathing implement can be assembled by manipulating oneend of the mesh sponge. A. through the channel. C. in the
35 collar. B. until the collar is located about a medial portion ofthe sponge so that the opposite end portions of the spongeflare outwardly from opposite sides of the collar.fThe collar,B. is maintained in position about the medial portion of thesponge. A. by the opposite end portions of the sponge which
40 regain their expanded shape on opposite sides of the collar.The elasticity of the collar. B. also enables the collar tomaintain its position on the sponge, A. Other methods ofassembly, such as would be practiced in an automatedassembly line, can be utilized.
45 As illustrated in FIGS, 3A and 3B1. the collar, B. can beformed to provide decorative features which may be par-ticularly attractive to young children. For instance, asillustrated, the collar is provided with a face of a pig.Alternatively, the collar could be molded to embody any
50 other decorative feature which may be aesthetically pleasingto a child or an adult For example. the collar could bemnoidcd in dic shape of a popuiar children's cartooncharacter, or it could be molded in the shape of a football.baseball, or any other shape.
55 An alternative embodiment of the present invention is thebaffling implement. F. illustrated in FIG. 41A. A collar. F.attaches about one end portion of a washcloth, such as amesh sponge. G. so that the opposite end portion of the meshsponge flares outwardly from the collar. As illustrated, the
60 collar. F. has a happy face design, and the one end portionof the mesh sponge, G, which flares outwardly from thecollar. F. provides the appearance of hair extending from thetop of the happy face. Other designs, shapes, and materialscan be utilized, and various means of attaching the wash-
65 cloth to the collar can be utilzed.One example of a means to connect the sponge. G. to the
collar. F. is illustrated in HIG. 4B1. To this end, the mesh
5.983.4353
sponge. G. is provided with a cord. H. and the collar,.F. isprovided with an inner channel. I. The cord. H. is extendedthrough the channel. L and is formed into a knot, J. to attachthe mesh sponge. G. to the collar. F. LYeferably. a washer, L.is located between the knot. 1. and collar. FE to prevent theknot from extending through the channel. The channel. 1, asshown, can be provided with a widened portion. K. so thatone end of the mesh sponge. G., extends within the collar F.Alternatively, the entire mesh sponge can extend exteriorlyof the collar. Other means to connect the washcloth to thecollar can be utilized.
Thus, the bathing implement according to the presentinvention provides a cleansing sponge and a toy. As a toy.the bathing implement can be tossed or floated on the surfaceof the bath water, and it can be submerged and allowed topop up out of the bath water. The collar can be provided witthe shape or face of a character which is particularlyappealing to the specific bather. As a sponge. the bathingimplement can be used with or without a soap product tocleanse and exfoliate the skin. Furthermore, the sponge isabrasive enough to dislodge dirt and grime from the body ofthe hather, yet at the same time, the sponge is soft enoughto be used on sensitive skin. In addition, children can havetheir own personalized sponge for use during bathtimnewhich will create in the children a greater awareness of'cleanliness and of the need to throughily wash their bodies.Finally, the invention is not limited to use by children; rather.different sized and shaped bathing implements can be usedto accommodate adults.
While preferred and alternate bathing implements havebeen described in detail, various modifications., alterations.and changes may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention as defined in theappended claims.
I claim:1. A bathing implement comprising:a washcloth capable of applying lather to cleanse a bather;
anda collar capable of attachment about a portion of said
washcloth so that at least one end portion of saidwashcloth flares outwardly from said collar;
wherein said collar has a hollow channel formed thereinwhich permits a portion of said washcloth to be insertedthrough said channel; and
wherein a decorative design is formed on said collar;whereby said collar enables said bathing implement tobe utilized as a bath toy.
2. A bathing implement according to claim 1. wherein saidcollar attaches about a medial portion of said washcloth sothat opposite end portions of said washcloth flare outwardly4iOLL baid CUllaL.
3. A bathing implement according to claim 1. wherein saidwashcloth is a mesh sponge made of a net-like material.
4. A bathing implement according to claimr 3. wherein said.mesh sponge has a ball-like shape and has a string forhanging the mesh sponge.
5. A bathing implement according to claim 1. wherein saidcollar is made of a foam-like material.
6C A bathing implement according to claim 1. wherein saidcollar is sleeve-shaped and removable from said washcloth.
47. A bathing implement for use by a child during a bath,
comprising:a mesh sponge capable of applying lather to cleanse and
exfoliate the skin of a child during a bath; and5 a sleeve-shaped, collar capable of attachment about a
medial portion of said mesh sponge so that oppositeend portions of said mesh sponge flare outwardly fromsaid collar, said collar being of a material which is more
10 rigid than said mesh sponge and having an outer10 surface of a size capable of being readily grasped so
that said mesh sponge is capable of being manipulatedwhen said collar is grasped; and
wherein a decorative design is formed on said collar
15 whereby said collar enables said bathing implement tobe utilized as a bath toy and the relative rigidity andsize of said collar enhances gripability and manipula-tion of the bathing implement.
8. A bathing implement comprising:
20 a washcloth having a cord extending therefrom; anda collar capable of attachment to said washcloth so that
said washcloth flares outwardly from only one side ofsaid collar, said collar having a hollow channel formedtherein which said cord can be inserted through and
25 knotted to connect said washcloth to said collar;wherein said hollow channel has a widened portion adja-
cent said washcloth so that one portion of the washclothis located within said collar and the remaining portionof the washcloth flares outwardly from said collar;
30 whereby said collar enables said bathing implement tobe utilized as a bath toy.
9. A bathing implement according to claimS,. wherein saidwashcloth is a mesh sponge.
10. A bathing implement according to claim 9. wherein15 said collar has a decorative design formed thereon.
11, A bathing implement comprising:a washcloth having a cord extending therefrom,a collar capable of attachment to said washcloth so that
40 said washcloth flares outwardly from only one side ofsaid collar, said collar having a hollow channel formedtherein which said cord can be inserted through andknotted to connect said washcloth to said collar, and
a washer located about said cord between said knot and45 said collar; whereby said collar enables said bathing
implement to be utilized as a bath toy.12, A hand-held implement. comprising:a washcloth; anda collar capable of attachment about a portion of said
50 washcloth so that at least one end portion of saidwashcloth flares outwardly from said collar, said collarbe,ing of a mameiiai which is more rigid than saidwashcloth and having an outer surface of a size capable-of being readily grasped by a user such that the user can
55 manipulate the washcloth by grasping said collar and
wherein a decorative design is formed on said collar.13. A hand-held implement according to claim 12.
wherein said collar is sleeve-shaped and removable fromsaid washcloth.
* * * * *
PATENT APPUCAfION SERIAL NO.
U.S. DEPARMENT OF COMNMCEPATENT AND TRAD~M4AR OFFIa
FEE RECORD SHEET
ogi21119%~ Ts10KES 00000OZl 0913569%-,, C,Z'
PTO-1556(5/87)
SERIAL NUMBER FILING DATE CLASS j[GROUP ART UNIT [ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED 09/01/98 SMALL ENTITY
Foreign Priority claimed EDyes QT ESTATE OR SHEETS TOTAL IINDEPENDENT35 USC 119 (a-d) conditions met o)yes2fl•-OMet after Allowance COUNTRY DRAWING CLAIMS CLAIMS
Verified and Acknowledged __________ PA 3 17 3E*ihiTh fIr B Snlil -inifials L___________________
HOWSON & HOWSON
co SPRING HOUSE CORPORATE CENTERcc P 0BOX 457
SPRING HOUSE PA
BATHING IMPLEMENT
FILING FrERECEIVED FEES: Authority has been given in Paper HAll Fees
No. o chrgecredt DEOSI ACCUNT 1.16 Fees (Filing)$3 5 NO. for_ toc arec edi DEPlo SiTn CC UN 1 .17 Fees (Processing Ext. of time)
a 0-I Transmitted herewith for filing is the patent application of
JAMEtS J. OSBOINE
for BT
Enclosed are:
MX three (3) sheets of drawing.
an assignment of the invention to _____________
a certified copy of a _____ application.
associate power of attorney.
NX) verified statement to establish small entity status under 37
C.F.R. 1.9 and 1.27.
Indep Claims _? -3=
Multiple Dependent Claims Present
* if the difference in cot. 1 is less than
zero, enter "0D" in cot. 2
()please charge my Deposit Account No. 08-3040. in the amount of S ______
A duplicate copy of this sheet is.encLosed.
X) A check In the amounrt of %395.OO0 to cover the filing fees is enclosed.
(XX) The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge payment of the following fees associatedwith this communication or credit any overpayment to Deposit Account No. 08-3040. Aduplicate copy of this sheet is enclosed.
(XX) Any additional filing fees required under 37 C.F.R. 1.16.()Any patent application processing fees under 37 C.F.R. 1.17.
()The commissioner is hereby authorized to charge payment of the following fees during the
pendency of this application or credit any overpayment to Deposit Account No. 08-3040. A
duplicate copy of this sheet is enclosed.
Any filing fees under 37 C.F.R. 1.16 for presentation of extra claims.Any patent appLicaticn proccs~sing fees unde, 37 C,F.R= 1,17-
The issue fee set in 37 C.F.R. 1.18 at or before maiLing of the Notice of Allowance,
pursuant to 37 C F R 1 311(b).
Date 8-8uSignature Wt±&NTMT1 BakJ
EXPRESS MAIL CERTIFICATE UNDER 37 C.F.R. 1.10I hereby certify that this paper is being deposited with the United States Postal Service, "Express Mail
Post Office to Addressee" Service under 37C.F.R.1.10 on the date indicated below, and is addressed to
Asst. Comnissioner for Patents, Washington, DC 20231
1-7 ISF-Ilv ( EX3373152022US
Date Signature Express Mail No.
sly0'
,ON
.r.)
i
VEX1AUSA
BATHING IMPLEMENT
Field of the Invkt'nton6
The present invention relates to a bathing implement for use during a bath or
shower, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a washcloth type of
implement which is useflul with soap to cleanse and exfoliate skin, and which includes
5 decorative features so that it can be used as a bath toy.
Background of the Invention
Most people utilize their hands, or a washcloth, to lather soap and apply the
lathered soap to the body during bathing. More recently, sponges, netting or mesh
material have been utilized as washcloths since they also provide an exfoliation
10 function. Common mesh sponges are normally provided in a substantially ball-like
shape and include a string which enables the sponges to be hung until further use.
A common problem experienced with children, particularly young children, is
that they often dislike bathing. One solution to this problem is the use of bath toys
which help make a bath more enjoyable for the child. Another common problem is
15 that young children often do not apply, or find it difficult to apply, a sufficient amount
of latheied soap oln thelf own to theii bodies.
Although known washcloths, particularly washcloths intended for use by
children, may be satisfactory for their intended purposes, there is a need for an
improved bathing implement which can be used with a soap product to clean and
Express Noilinq BG373152022US
exfoliate skin and which is useful as a bath toy to make bathing fun and easy for
young children.
Objects of the Invention
With the foregoing in mind, a primary object of the present invention is to
5 provide a bathing sponge which can be used by children and adults in a practical
manner to cleanse and exfoliate skin, and in a playful manner as a toy.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a bathing implement
which can be readily and effectively used by children, which can be easily grasped by
the hand of a young child, and which is readily stored and dried by hanging it in the
10 shower when not in use.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a bathing implement
and bath novelty item/toy which provides an aesthetically pleasing bathing-area
decoration so that a child-inviting atmosphere is created.
Summary of the Invention
15S More specifically, the present invention provides a bathing implement which
comprises a washcloth, mesh sponge, or the like, and a collar which attaches about a
portion of the washcloth so that one or both end portions of the washcloth flare
outwardly from the collar. The washcloth is used during a bath or shower to apply
lather to cleanse and/or extfoiate the skin of the bather. The collar enables the bathing
20 implement to be utilized as a bath toy, particulary if the collar has decorative fe atures,
such as the face of a popular children's character.
2
Brief Description of the Drawings
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention should become apparent from the following description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
5 FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of an unassembled bathing implement
according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an assembled bathing implement embodying
the present invention;.
FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of the collar portion of the present
10 invention;
FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the collar illustrated in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a bathing
implement/novelty item according to the present invention; and
FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of the bathing implement/novelty
15 item of FIG. 4A with an inner portion of the collar illustrated in dashed lines.
Detailed Description of the Preferred EMbodiment
FIG. 2 illustrates a bathing implement embodying the present invention. The
bathing implement includes a washcloth component, A, and a collar component, B.
The washcloth component, A, can be any type of, but not limited to, sponge, mesh,
20 netting, terry cloth, PVA, cotton or like material, but is preferably a mesh sponge
having a flexible ball-like shape and a string, D3, for hanging the mesh sponge. The
collar component, B, can be made of, but not limited to, foam, plastic, PU, rubber,
3
Rotocast, PVC, terry cloth, or like material. Preferably, the collar, B, is ring-shaped,
or sleeve-shaped, and has a central hollow channel, C.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, and by way of example, the bathing implement can be
assembled by manipulating one end of the mesh sponge, A, through the channel, C, in
5 the collar, B, until the collar is located about a medial portion of the sponge so that the
opposite end portions of the sponge flare outwardly from opposite sides of the collar.
The collar, B, is maintained in position about the medial portion of the sponge, A, by
the opposite end portions of the sponge which regain their expanded shape on
opposite sides of the collar. The elasticity of the collar, B, also enables the collar to
10 maintain its position on the sponge, A. Other methods of assembly, such as would be
practiced in an automated assembly line, can be utilized.
As illustrated in FIGs. 3A and 313, the collar, B, can be formed to provide
decorative features which may be particularly attractive to young children. For
instance, as illustrated, the collar is provided with a face of a pig. Alternatively, the
15 collar could be molded to embody any other decorative feature which may be
aesthetically pleasing to a child or an adult. For example, the collar could be molded
in the shape of a popular children's cartoon character, or it could be molded in the
shape of a football, baseball, or any other shape.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is the bathing implement,
20 E, illustrated in FIG. 4A. A collar, F, attaches about one end portion of a washcloth,
such as a mesh sponge, G, so that the opposite end portion of the mesh sponge flares
outwardly from the collar. As illustrated, the collar, F, has a happy face design, and
the one end portion of the mesh sponge, G, which flares outwardly from the collar, F,
4
Provides the appearance of hair extending from the top of the happy face. Other
designs, shapes, and materials can be utilized, and various means of attaching the
washcloth to the collar can be utilized.
One example of a means to connect the sponge, 0, to the collar, F, is
5 illustrated in FIG. 4B. To this end, the mesh sponge, G, is provided with a cord, H-,
and the collar, F, is provided with an inner channel, I. The cord, H, is extended
through the channel, I, and is formed into a knot, J, to attach the mesh sponge, 0, to
the collar, F. Preferably, a washer, L, is located between the knot, J, and collar, F, to
prevent the knot from extending through the channel. The channel, 1, as shown, can
10 be provided with a widened portion, K, so that one end of the mesh sponge, G,
extends within the collar F, Alternatively, the entire wneeh sponge can extendA
exteriorly of the collar. Other means to connect the washcloth to the collar can be
utilized.
Thus, the bathing implement according to the present invention provides a
15 cleansing sponge and a toy. As a toy, the bathing implement can be tossed or floated
on the surface of the bath water, and it can be submerged and allowed to pop up out of
the bath water. The collar can be provided with the shape or face of a character which
is particularly appealing to the specific bather. As a sponge, the bathing implement
can be used with or without a soap product to cleanse and exfoliate the skin.
20 Furthermore, the sponge is abrasive enough to dislodge dirt and grime f-rom the body
of the bather, yet at the same time, the sponge is soft enough to be used on sensitive
skin. In addition, children can have their own personalized sponge for use during
bathtime which will create in the children a greater awareness of cleanliness and of
5
I
6
... .......
the need to throughly wash their bodies. Finally, the invention is not limited to use by
children; rather, different sized and shaped bathing implements can be used to
accommodate adults.
While preferred and alternate bathing implements have been described in
5 detail, various modifications, alterations, and changes may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims:
1. A bathing imple ent comprising:
a washcloth capab of applying lather to cleanse a bather; and
a collar capable attachment about a portion of said washcloth so that
at least ne end portion of said washcloth flares outwardly from ~.'-
said liar;
whereby said coil enables said bathing implement to be utilized as a bath toy.
2. A bathing implement according to claim 1, wherein said collar attaches
about a medial portion of said washcloth so that opposite end portions of said
washcloth flare outwardly from said collar.
3. A bathing implement according to claim 1, wherein said washcloth is a
mesh sponge made of a net-like material.
4. A bathing implement according to claim 3, wherein said mesh sponge has a
ball-like shape and has a string for hanging the mesh sponge.
5. A bathing implement according to claim 1, wherein said collar is made of a
foam-like material.
7
6. A bathing imple nt according to claim 1, wherein said collar has a hollow
channel formed thereAi i permits a portion of said washcloth to be inserted
through said chan 1.
G•2- / A bathing implement according to claimi, wherein said collar is sleeve-
shaped and removable from said washcloth.
S. A bathing im eme t acc rding to claim 6, wherein a decorative design is
formed on said co ar.
9. A hat ing implement for use by a child during a bath, comprising:
a mesh sp nge capable of applying lather to cleanse and exfoliate the
skin of a child during a bath; and
a sleeve-sha d, collar capable of attachment about a medial portion of
15>y saidmi sh sponge so that opposite end portions of said mesh
sponge are outwardly from said collar;
whereby said collar ena es said bathing implement to be utilized as a bath toy.
10. A bathing impl e omprising:
a washcloth; andP e
a collar capable f a ac e o said washcloth so that said washcloth
flares ou dl from said collar;
Whereby said collar en les said bathing implement to be utilized as a bath toy.
8
11. A bathing implement according to ~im 10, wherein said washcloth flares
outwardly from only one side of said colla
12. A bathing implement cording to claim 11, wherein said washcloth has a
cord extending therefro
13. A bathi imple en to claim 12, wherein said collar has a
hollow channel fed ther in which said cord can be inserted through and knotted to
connect said ashcloth to said collar.
14. bathing implement according to claim 13, wherein said hollow channel
)Khas a widene portion adjacent said washcloth so that one portion of the washcloth is
7) located withi said collar and the remaining portion of the washcloth flares outwardly
from said coil
A bathing implement according to claimj4k, wherein said washcloth is a
mesh sponge.
7X A bathing implement according to claimX, wherein said collar has a
decorative design formed thereon.
2 17. A bathing im lement according to claim 13, further comprising a washer
<\located about said cord be een said knot and said collar.
>) el
BATHING IMPLEMENT
Abstract of the ILivention
A bathing implement for use in cleansing and exfoliating skin which can also
be utilized as a bath toy by a child or an adult. The bathing implement includes a
washcloth component and a collar component which attaches about a portion of the
5 washcloth so that at least one end portion of the washcloth flares outwardly from the
collar. Preferably, the washcloth is a flexible mesh sponge and the collar is sleeve-
shaped and made of foam or any number of other materials.
Express mailing Er,373152022US
10
VEXIAUSA
DECLARATION AND POWER OF ATTORNEYFOQR PATENT APPLICATION
As a below named inventor, I hereby declare that:
My residence, post office address and citizenship is as stated below next to my name, JAMES J.OSBORNE I believe I am the original, first and sole inventor (if only one name is listed below)or an original, first and joint inventor (if plural names are listed below) of the subject matterwhich is claimed and for which a patent is sought on the invention entitled BATHINGIMPLEMENT, the specification of which
(check X is attached heretoone) was filed on _____________as
Application Serial No. _________
and was amended on __________
(if applicable)
I hereby state that I have reviewed and understand the contents of the above identifiedspecification, including the claims, as amended by any amendment referred to above.
I acknowledge the duty to disclose information which is material to the examination of thisapplication in accordance with Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.56(a).
I hereby claim foreign priority benefits under Title 3 5, United States Code, Section 119 of anyforeign application(s) for patent or inventor's certificate listed below and have also identifiedbelow any foreign application for patent or inventor's certificate having a filing date before thatof the application on which priority is claimed:
Prior Foreign Application(s)PriorityClaimed
(Number) (Country) (Day/Month/Year Filed) Yes No
I hereby claim the benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of any United Statesapplication(s) listed below and, insofar as the subject matter of each of the claims of thisapplication is not disclosed in the prior United States application in the manner provided by the
first paragraph of Title 3 5, United States Code, Section 112, 1 acknowledge the duty to disclosematerial information as defined in Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.56(a) whichoccurred between the filing date of the prior application and the national or PCT internationalfiling date of this application:
60/064.232 -- November 7. 1997 -Pendinm-(Application Serial No.) (Filing Date) (Status)
(patented,pending,abandoned)
I hereby appoint the following individuals to prosecute this application and to transact allbusiness in the Patent and Trademark Office connected therewith: STANLEY B. KITA,Registration No. 24,561; GEORGE A. SMITH, JR., Registration No. 24,442; WILSONOBERDORFER, Registration No. 17,379; MARY E. BAK, Registration No. 31,215, HENRYHANSEN, Registration No. 19,612, CATHY A. KODROFF, Registration Number 32,980, andWILLIAM BAK, Registration No. 37,277.
Address all telephone calls to William Bak- at telephone no. (21 5) 540-9208. Address allcorrespondence to HOWSON AND HOWSON, Spring House Corporate Center, P. 0. Box 457,Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477.
1 hereby declare that all statements made herein of my own knowledge are true and that allstatements made on information and belief are believed to be true; and flurther that thesestatements were made with the knowledge that willful false statements and the like so made arepunishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, under Section 1001 of Title 18 of the United StatesCode and that such willful false statements may jeopardize the validity of the application or anypatent issued thereon.
Full name of inventor: JAMES J. OSBORNE
Inventor's signature
Residence:Inn -in1Oo
Citizenship: UL.& A.L
Post Office Address: Same
2
JAMES I OSBQRNEAttorney's
Serial or Patent No.: _______ Docket No.: VEXIAXISAFiled or Issued: HerewithFor: -BATIN.G IMPLEMENT
VERIFIED STATEMENT (DECLARATION) CLAIMING SMALL ENTITY STATUS(37 CFR 1.9Qf) and 1.27(c)) - SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN
I hereby declare that I am
] the owner of the small business concern identified below:[XX ] an official of the small business concern empowered to act on behalf of the
concern identified below:
NAME OF CONCERN VERVE LTD., LLC
ADDRESS OF CONCERN 748 Bethlehem Pike-. Suite 209. POB 619
Spring 1-ouse PA 19477
I hereby declare that the above identified small business concern qualifies as a small businessconcern as defined in 13 CFR 121.3-18, and reproduced in 37 CFR 1.9(d), for purposes of payingreduced fees under section 41 (a) and (b) of Title 35, United States Code, in that the number ofemployees of the concern, including those of its affiliates, does not exceed 500 persons. Forpurposes of this statement, (1) the number of employees of the business concern is the averageover the previous fiscal year of the concern of the persons employed on a full-time, pant-time ortemporary basis during each of the pay periods of the fiscal year and (2) concerns are affiliates ofeach other when either, directly or indirectly, one concern controls or has the power to controlthe other, or a third-party or parties controls or has the power to control both.
I hereby declare that rights under contract or law have been conveyed to and remain with thesmall business concern identified above with regard to the invention, entitled BATHlINGIMPLEMENT, inventor(s) James 3. Osborne described in
[XX] the specification filed herewith
[ 3application serial no. ______,filed ______
[ 3patent no. .,issued
If the rights held by the above identified small business concern are not exclusive, each
individual, concern or organization having fights to the invention is listed below* and no rights to
Applicant or Patentee:
the invention are held by any person, other than the inventor, who would not qualify as anindependent inventor under 37 CFR 1.9(c) if that person made the invention, or by any concernwhich would not qualify as a small business concern under 37 CFR 1.9(d) or a nonprofitorganization under 37 CFR 1.9(e). 'NOTE: Separate verified statements are required from eachnamed person, concern or organization having rights to the invention averring to their status assmall entities. (37 CFR 1.27)
NAME_________________
ADDRESS________________
[]1NDIVIDUAL [ ]SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN []NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
NAME_________________
ADDRESS_______________
[INDIVIDUAL [ ]SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN []NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
I acknowledge the duty to file, in this application or patent, notification of any change in statusresulting in loss of entitlement to small entity status prior to paying, or at the time of paying, theearliest of the issue fee or any maintenance fee due after the date on which status as a small entityis no longer appropriate. (37 CFR 1.28(b))
I hereby declare that all statements made herein of my own knowledge are true and that all
statements made on information and belief are be-lieved to be true; and further that these
statements were made with the knowledge that v illful false statements and the like so made are
punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, uncier section 1001 of Title 18 of the United States
Code, and that such willful false statements may jeopardize the validity of the application, any
patent issuing thereon, or any patent to which this verified statement is directed.
NAME OF PERSON SIGNING JAMSJOBRN
TITLE CifEeuieOicr
ADDRESS OF PERSON SIGNING 78BtlhmPk.Sie29Bo61
~prigJlose. ennslvaia, 19477
SIGNATURE _ _ DATE (-/ 7
PRINT OF DRAWLNGSAS ORiGINALLY FEIL
Figure 2
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Figure 3A
Figure 38-
PRINT OF DRAWINGSAS_QRIG,[NALL-Y FELF 1~
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FI&Y A-h
PRINT OF DRAWINGSAs ORIGINALLY FEUl
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UNITED STATL!, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCEPatent and Trademark OfficeAddress: COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS S ý
Washington, D.C. 20231 M
APPIC1 ~JO 6'LFILNGflJFJfl92 In. .jflEENAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
F- HWSON& HWS0111I41/0126r
S-PRINGi HOtUlSE COIRPORA,TE ClENTERUBOX 4-F7
,.j PFRTN I HOUJSE PA1')177
2 EXAMINERCT-I I Iq j 1
ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER
p ý1
DATE MAiLED:- 0 1. / 26,/ 9 S
Please find below and/or afttached an Office communication concerning this application orproceeding.
TO 0 Q5)Office Action Summary Examiner' Group Art Uni
Ile, -C/ > A/ 7u
-The MAILING DATE of this communication appears on the cover sheet beneath the correspondence address-
Period for Response3
A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR RESPONSE IS SET TO EXPIRE - _ MONTH(S) FROM THE
MAILING DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION.
-Extensions of time may be available under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, may a response be timely filed after SIX (6) MONTHSfrom the mailing date of this communication.
-If the peniod for response specified above is less than thirty (30) days, a response within the statutory minimum of thirty (30) days will be considered timely.-If NO peniod for response is specified above, such peniod shall, by default, expire SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication .-Failure to respond within the set or extended period for response will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133).
Status
H. Responsive to communication(s) filed on ________________
0 This action is FINAL.
LI Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits Is closed inaccordance with the practice under Exparte Quayle, 1935 C.D. 1 1; 453 O.G. 213.
Disposition of Claims
"tlaim(s) ______ /_________. is/are pending in the application.
Of the above claim(s) is/are withdrawn from consideration.
El Claim(s) ... _____are subject to restriction or electionreq uirement.
Applicatio Papers
00ýSe the attached Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948.
[] The proposed drawing correction, filed on-____---, -__ is D approved 7disapproved.
ED The drawing(s) filed on is/are objected to by the Examiner.
[_,I The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
EH The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner.
Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a)-(d)
H Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 11 9(a)-(d).
H- All H (;ome* H None of the CERTIFIED copies of the priority documents have been
H received.Ei received in Application No. (Series Code/Serial Number)---
El received in this national stage application from the Intemnational Bureau (PCT Rule 1 7.2(a)).
*Certified copies not received:_____
Attachment(s)
Lo information Disclosure Statement(s), PTO-1449, Paper No(s). -0__ Interview Summary, PTO-413
Y et of References Cited, PTO-892 H1 Notice of Informal Patent Application, PTO-1 52
o0tice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948 H Other________________
Office Action Summary
u. 5. Patent and Trademark Officer I iJQ&U IflPart of Paper No.,____
r" 1 %0-"W ký. 3-91)
Application/Control Number: 09/135,690 Page 2
Art Unit: 1744
DETAILED ACTION
Drawings
1. The drawings are objected to because it does not appear figure 1 is label. Correction is
required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
2. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that formn the
basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless --
(b) the invention was patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in public use oron sale in this country, more than one year prior to the date of application for patent in the United States.
3. Claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(b) as being anticipated by Sanford
'13 5.
The patent to Sanford '135 discloses with respect to claims 1, 2 and 10, a bathing
implement in Fig.l1, for example (col.7, lines 40-43), comprising a washcloth 10 capable of
applying lather to cleanse a person and a band or collar 13 capable of attachment about a medial
portion of the washcloth so that opposite end portions of the washcloth "flare" outwardly from
the collar. Clearly, a user, if desired, can use the implement as a bath toy. Such a recitation is of
no patentable moment here. As for claim 6, the collar 13, after assembly, is or a circular ring-like
form and clearly would have a "hollow channel" therein which permits a portion of the washcloth
Page 3Application/Control Number: 09/135,690
Art Unit: 1744
to be inserted through the channel. As for claim 7, the collar 13 is sleeve-shaped and is removable
from the washcloth.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
4. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103(a) which forms the basis for all obviousness
rejections set forth in this Office action:
(a) A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set fiorth insection 102 of this title, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art arcsuch that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a personhaving ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. Patentability shall not be negatived by themanner in which the invention was made.
5. Claim 5 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Sanford '135.
As for the collar being of "foam-like" material, it is the Examiner's position that such a
limitation is within the level of ordinary skill. In the art as a softer collar would be desirable to
prevent injury to a bather. Collar material choice is not deemed to define patentable subject matter
here.
6. Claims 3, 4 and 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Sanford
'13 5 in view of Gordon '3 84.
Sanford discloses all of the recited subject matter with the exception of the washcloth
being of a "sponge" material (note Sanford's device is already of net mesh and is of a "ball-like
shape) and having a string for hanging the mesh sponge. Gordon '384 teaches a bathing
implement of a mesh sponge material and a string 7 for hanging. It would have been obvious to
one of ordinary skill in the art to have modified Sanford's implement such that it is of mesh
Application/Control Number: 09/135,690
Art Unit: 1744
sponge for adding flexibility to the implement and has a string for hanging as suggested by
Gordon.
7. Claims 10-13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(b) as being clearly anticipated by G
Page 4
irardot
See Fig. 13.
8. Claims 8 and 14-17 are obýjectcd to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but
would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base
claim and any intervening claims.
9. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's
disclosure. The patents to Rapson, Protz, Abraham, Per-Lee, and Chien are pertinent to various
cleaning implements
Application/Control Number: 09/135,690 Page 5
Art Unit: 1744
10. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner
should be directed to Randall Chin whose telephone number is (703) 308-1613.
Any inquiry of a general nature concerning the status of this application should be directed
to the receptionist of Group 1700 whose telephone number is (703) 308-0661.
Any responses made by facsimile should be addressed to Randall Chin at (703) 305-3599
or (703) 305-7719.
R. ChinJanuary 19, 1999
Application No. Applicant(s)
Notice of References CitedExami ~ Group Art Unit Page /o
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
* DOCUMENT NO. DATE NAME GLASS SUBCLASS
-A /.2 1/r2'1 Z4~
8~oe (-15 /.;e 7-z /y- 1.2-2P-2
F?JP -7 57-nCo
G _57-27,2-72 -/S)C C T Z? 4H clvlaA
K
L
M
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
*DOCUMENT NO. DATE COUNTRY NAME CLASS SUBCLASS
N
0
R1
S
T
NON-PATENT DOCUMENTS _____
* UDOCUMENT (Including Author, Title, Source, and Pertinent Pages) f DATE
V
w
x
U S. Patent and Trademark OfficePTO-892 (Rev. 9-96)
(See Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, Section 707.05(a).) Part of Paper No. 122.
"US GPO 1996-420-311/40176
t-RMPIO 48(RV i 7) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE-Patent and Trademark Office AplctoNi
NOTICE OF DRAFTrPERSON'SPATENT DRAWING REVIEW
The drawing filied (insert dtate)~ [ i~I are:
A,~ not objecitefto by/the Draftperson under 37 CFR I184 or 1.152.
B , objected to by the Draftperson under 37 CFR 1.84 or 1.152 as indicated below. The Examiner will require submission of new. correcteddrawings whe necessary. Corrected drawings must be submitted according to the instructions on the hack of this notice,
I .DRAWINGS. 37 CFR I1.84(a): Acceptable categories of drawings:Black ink, Color.
(Color drawing are not acceptable until Petition is granted,
Fig.(s)_____Pencil auid iion black ink is niot periutted, Fig(s)
2. PIHOTOGRAPH-S. 37 CFR 1.84(b)Photographs are not acceptable until petition is granted,
3 full-tone sets are required. Fig(s)_ -______
-Photographs not properly mounted (must brystol board or
photographic double-weight paper). Ftg(s)________
Poor quailty (half-lone). Fig(s) -
3. TYPE OF PAPER. 37 CFR 1.84(e)
Paper not flexible, strong, white and durable.
Ft 5
:rsitires, alterations, overwt'tings, interlineations,folds, copy machine marks not acceptable-l aAff¶lVMylar, vellum paper is not acceptable (too thrin).
Fig(s)______
4, SIZE OF PAPER. 37 CER 1.84(F): Acceptable sizes:
21.0 cm by 29-7cm (DIN size A4)
21.6cin by 27, 9cm (8 1/2 x I I inches)
All drawings sheets not tfic same size,
Sheet(s)_______
5, MARGINS. 37 CFR 18.4(g): Acceptable margins:
lop 2.5 cm Left 2-5 cm Right 1.5 cnm Bottom 1.0 cinSIZE: A4 Size
lop 2.5 cin Left 2.5 cm Right I.5 tin Bottom I, (cmS5 '1:8 1/2 x I I
Magins no t acceptab ct Fig(s)F
ýLeft (L)
Right (R) _ _Bottom (B)
0. VIE,WS. (CFR 1 84(h)REMINDER: Specification may require revision tocorrespondl to drawing changes.
-Views connected by projection lines or lead lines,
Fig.(s),--
Partial views. 37 CFR I1.84(h)(2)-Brackets needed to show figure as one entity.
Fig-(s)
Views niot labeled separately or properly.
Fig.(s)_-____
Enlarged view not labeled separately or Properly.
Fig.(s)
7. SECTIONAL VIEWS- 37 CFR I1.84(h)(3)
Hatching niot indicated for sectional portions of an object.
-____Secttonal designation should be noted with Arabic or
Rotman nunibers. Fig.(-,)-
8. ARRANGEMENTO01:VIEWNS, 37 CPR I.84(i)
- Words do not appear on a horizontal, left-to-right fashion whenpage is either uprighi or timned, so that the top becomes the right
side, except for graphs. Fig.(s_
_____Views not on the samte plane on drawing sheet- Fig,(shj
9- SCALE. 37 CER 1.84(k)
Scale niot large enough to show mechansim without crowdingwhen di assing is reducod to suze to twvo-thirds in reproduction,
Fig.(s)_________
l0.CýlAR 'TLR OF LINES, NUMBERS, & LE'I*TLRS. 37CFRI1.84(i)
Lines, numbers & letters not uniformly thick and well defined,clean, durable and black (poor line quality).
Fig_(sL_Jt zC+II. SHADING. 37C(FR 1.84(m)
Solid black areas pale Fig.(s)
- -Solid black s,hadin ri' ot penniitted. Fig.(s) _________
Shade lites, pale, tough anid blurred- Fig_(s)
12. NUMBERS, tFTTERS, & REFERENCEL CHARACTERS-37 CFR I A(8(p)
Numbers andI rcfecicce characters niot plain and legible.
- FigUre legetids arc pilot. lig_ls) _.________
Numbers arid rcfterc!ncc characters niot oniented in the same
direction as the view. 37 CFR 1,84(p)(3) Fig.(s)..
E ngligh alphabet not used. 37 CFR I1.84(p)(3) Fig.(s)
Numbers,, letters and reference characters must be at least
.32 cm (1/8 inch) in height. 37 CER I,94(p)( 3) Fig,(sl___
13. LEAD LINES. 37 CFR 1.84(q)
Lead lines cross each other, Fig-(s)_________
- -Lead lines missing, Eig,(.s
14, NUMBERING 01ý sHEETs OF DRAWINGS. 37 CER 1.48(t)
_____Sheets niot numbered conrsecutively, and in Ababic numerals-
beginning with number 1. Fgs
15. NUMBERING OF VIEWS, 37 ('ER 1,84(u)
--- Views not nuitbered consecutively, anid iii Abrabic nunmerals,
beginning with number I, Fig-(s)_________
16. CORRECTIONS. 37 CFR 1.84(w)
-____Corrections not made from PTO,948 dated
17. DESIGN DRAWINGS. 37 CFR 1.152
-Surface shadingy shown not apnropriate. Fie.(s)_ __
_____Solid black shading not used for color contrast.
Fig.(s)_
COMMENTS
RE.VIEWER _____________
ATTACI IMENT TO PAPER NO._____ __
'PTO COPY
DATE_!J TIELEPHONE NO. p)M YO-
Application No fgý I I )_ý's ýa u_FORM FM 948 (REV. 11,97)
F IG. 2
FIG. I
B
F I1G. 3A F IG. 3B
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FIG. 4A
n
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H
FIG.4B
IN
V
STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
In re the Application of
James J. Osborne
Application No.: 09/135,690
Filed: August 18, 1998
For: BATHING IMPLEMENT
Assistant Commissioner for PatentsWashington, DC 20231
))))))))))
EXIAUSA
Examiner: Randall E. Chin
Group Art Unit: 1744
CERTIFICATE UNDER 37 CFR 1.8(a)
I hereby certify that this correspondence
is being deposited with the United States
Postal Service as first class mnail on the
date indicated below in an envelope addressed
to: Asst. Commissioner for Patents
Washington, DC 20231.
SignatUre ,-Q tD)ate - q
AMENDMENT H~~,.inLE
This is a timely response to the Office Action dated January 26, 1999. Please amend
the application as set forth below.
In the Drawings:
Three (3) sheets of formal drawings are enclosed for the Examiner's approval and for
substitution for the three sheets of informal drawings currently on file.
In the Claims:
Cancel claims, ýR4`nd 16313.
Amend claims, l/7ý9j44nd1 Ias follows.
Sir:
1 (Amended). A bathing implement comprising:
a washcloth capable of applying lather to cleanse a bather; and
a collar capable of attachment about a portion of said washcloth so that at least
one end portion of said washcloth flares outwardly from said collar,
wherein said collar has a hollow channel formed therein which permits a
portion o f said washcloth to bec inserted through said channel: and
wherein a decorative design is formed on said collar:
whereby said collar enables said bathing implement to be utilized as a bath toy.
In claim /, line 1, replace "6" with --]--.
17k/Amended). A bathing implement for use by a child during a bath, comprising:
a mesh sponge capable of applying lather to cleanse and exfoliate the skin of a
child during a bath; and
a sleeve-shaped, collar capable of attachment about a medial portion of said
mesh sponge so that opposite end portions of said mesh sponge flare
outwardly from said collar,sicolrbigfamtealw chs
more rigid than said mesh spoQnge and having, an outer surface of a size
capable of b~eing readily-grasped so that said mesh sponge is cpbeo
V / ~~being manipulated when said coLla is graspd
whe{eby said collar enables said bathing implement to be utilized as a bath toy and the
relative rigidity and size of said collar enhances Ripnability and manipulation ofEthe bathing
implement.
2
~'/(Amended). A bathing implement [according to claim 13,] cmorsýingi
a washcloth having a cord extending therefrom: and
a collar capable of attachment to said washcloth -so tha.t said washcloth flares
outwardly from only one side of said collar, said collar having a
hollow channel formned therein which said cord can be inserted throu2h
and knotted to connect said washcloth to said collar:
wherein said hollow channel has a widened portion adjacent said washcloth soQP that one portion of the washcloth is located within said collar and the
remaining portion of the washcloth flares outwardly from said collar;
whereby said collar enables said bathing implement to be utilized as a bath toy.
JV(Amended). A bathing implement [according to claim 13,] compri-sing:
a washcloth having a cord extending therefrom:,
a collar-capable of attachment to said washcloth so that said washcloth flares
outwardly from only one side of said collar, said collar having a
hollow channel formed therein which said cord can be inserted through
and knotted to coninect said washcloth to said collar: and
a washer located about said cord between said knot and said collar;
whereby said collar enables said bathing implement to he utilized as a bath toy.
3
Add new claims, 1411-1 as follows.
18.A bthig mplmen acorI claim 9, wherein a decorative design is formed
on said collar.
X. A hand-held implement, comprising;
a washcloth; and
a collar capable of attachment about a portion of said washcloth so that at least
one end portion of said washcloth flares outwardly from said collar,
said collar being of a material which is more rigid than said washcloth
and having an outer surface of a size capable of being readily grasped
by a user such that the user can manipulate the washcloth by grasping
said collar. f5
A2A hand-held implement according to claim X, wherein said collar is sleeve-
shaped and removable from said washcloth.
21. A hand-held implement a;cc Ing to claim 19, wherein a decorative design is
fonined on said collar.
REMARKS
Claims 6, 8, and 10- 13 have been canceled, and claims 18-21 have been added.
Claims 1-5, 7, 9 and 14-21 are pending. Independent claims 1, 14 and 17 have been amended
4
\,6 >
in a form which the Examiner previously stated would be allowable. Independent claim 9 has
been amended to distinguish in a patentable manner over the prior art relied on by the
Examiner. Accordingly, allowance of all the pending claims is respectftully requested.
1. Allowable Subject Matter
The Examiner stated in the Office Action that claims 8, 14 and 1 7 would he allowable
if rewritten in independent form including all the limitations of the base claim and any
intervening claims.
Claim 1 has been amended to include the limitations of dependent claims 6 and 8.
Thus, Applicant submits that claim I is now in a condition for allowance. In addition, claims
2-5 and 7 are dependent directly or indirectly from claim 1, and therefore, are submitted as
being in a condition for allowance for the same reasons as claim 1.
Claims 14 and 17 have both been amended to include the limitations of their base
claims and any intervening claims. Thus, Applicant submits that claims 14 and 17 are in a
condition for allowance. In addition, claims 15 and 16 are dependent directly or indirectly
from claim 14, and therefore, are submitted as being in a condition for allowance for the same
reasons as claim 14.
11. The Examiner's Rejections Based on 35 USC §1I02(b) and 6 103(a)
The Examiner's rejection of claims 1-7 and 10- 13 are submitted as now being moot
since claims 6 and 10- 13 have been canceled and since claim I has been amended to include
the allowable subject matter of claim 8.
5
6
Thus, the only rejection still standing is the rejection of claim 9 as being obvious
uinder 35 USC § 103(a) in view of the combination of disclosures of U.S. Patent No.
4,462,135 issued to Sanford and U.S. Patent No. 5,650,384 issued to Gordon et al..
The Sanford patent discloses a hand held abrasive scrubber for cleaning pots and pans
and like articles. The scrubber includes a "cleaning section 10" and a separate "abrasive
section I11" .The cleaning section is made from layers of inesh netting and the abrasive
section is made from a plurality of metal coils, such as, steel, brass or copper coils. See
column 6, line 46. The metal coils are covered with an outer layer of mesh netting "which is
drawn over the abrasive sectioni and- securely tied to the cleaning section by band 13 ." See
column 4, lines 5 1-53. The band 13 is disclosed as being a thin elongate nylon band which is
secured to the scrubber with a fastening means as best illustrated in FIG. 10. The Sanford
scrubber is grasped by a persons hand and manipulated as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 3.
The Gordon patent discloses a hall-shaped mesh bath sponge with a cord. It discloses
the use of a thin "security band 13" to hold the multilayered netting mesh together. (See FIG.
2 and column 2, lines 63-65.)
Claim 9 of the present application has been amended to distinguish in a patentable
manner over the Sanford and Gordon references. Claim 9 includes the limitations that the
collar component of the bathing implement be "of a mnaterial which is More rigid-th-an said
mesh sponge " and have "a ouemufc o iecpable of being readily grasped so that
said mesh spog n s capable ofbeing manipulated when said collar is grsed".
No new matter has been added. The present application states on page 2, lines 8 and
9, that an object of the invention is to provide a bathing implement which "can be easily
2rse.ytebn_2 ý ' Various collar component materials are discussed on
page 3, line 22, to page 4, line I . Several of the listed materials are more rigid than a mesh
sponge. Of course, other non-listed materials more rigid than a mesh sponge could also be
used, such as, a collar made of a solid soap product or the like. FIGs. 2 and 4A of the present
application, clearly show that the collar component has an outer surface and that the outer
surface is of a substantial size relative to the washcloth component. For example, the
proportions illustrated in FIG. 2 disclosc that thc height of the collar component "B" is
greater than about 25 % of the total height of the bathing implement, and the proportions
illustrated in FIG. 4A disclose that the height of the collar component "F" is about 50% of the
total height of the bathing implement. Thus, the collar component of the present invention,
permnits the bathing implement to be readily grasped without having to grasp the mesh sponge
which a child may otherwise find difficult to grasp and control.
The Gordon patent and the Sanford patent only disclose the use of a very narrow band
which functions to hold the sponge together or to secure a mesh netting around metal coils.
The outer surfaces of the Gordon and Sanford bands are not of a size which could be solely
grasped by the user to manipulate the sponge of Gordon or the cleaning and abrasive sections
of the Sanford scrubber. As illustrated in FlGs. 2 and 3 of the Sanford patent, the majority of
the mesh sponge of the Sanford scrubber is required to be grasped by the hand of the user in
order to properly manipulate the scrubber. The same is true for the Gordon sponge as shown
in FIG. 2 of the Gordon patent. Thus, the Sanford and Gordon bands do not provide the
enhanced gripability function provided by the collar component of the present invention.
Therefore, the Applicant submits that claim 9 of the present application, as amended,
is patentable over the Sanford and Gordon patents because their combined disclosures do not
disclose, teach, or render obvious the use of a relatively large, gripable collar on a mesh
7
sponge to provide a bathing implement which is easy to grasp and manipulate, even by a
young child.
111. New Claims-- 18-21
New claim 18 is dependent from independent claim 9. Therefore, it is submitted that
claim 18 is patentable for the same reasons stated above that claim 9 is patentable.
New independent claim 19 includes similar limitations as that of claim 9. For
instance, the collar component is stated as being of a material which is more rigid than the
washcloth component and as having an outer surface of a size capable of being readily
graspcd by a user such that the user can manipulate the washcloth by grasping the collar.
Thus, it is submitted that claim 19 is patentable for the same reasons that claim 9 is
patentable.
Claims 20 and 21 are dependent from claim 19 and provide additional reasons for
patentability. Claim 20 includes the limitation that the collar component is removable from
the washcloth component, and therefore, reusable in association with another washcloth
component. The prior art cited by the examiner does not disclose a reusable collar. Claim 21
requires the collar component to have a decorative design. For these, as well as the above
stated reasons, claims 20 and 21 are submitted as being patentable.
Thus, Applicant submits that all of the pending claims are in a condition for
allowance.
8
Applicant's invention is meritorious and warrants the scope of protection sought.
Respectfiully submitted,HOWSON AND HOWSONAttorneys for Applicant
Ifthe entry inCol. I isl1=sthan the entry in Col. 2 write "0"in Col. 3**If the "Highest No. previously Paid For" in this space is less than 20, eLte "20".
If the "Highest No. Previously Paid For" inthis space is les than 3, enter 3
0 Please charge my Deposit Account No. 08-3 040 in the amount of $
C) A Check in the amount of $ to cover the filing fee is enclosed.
V The Commissioner is hercby authorized to charge payment of the following fees associated withthis communication or credit any overpayment to Deposit Account No. 08-3040. A duplicate copyof this sheet is enclosed.
V Any additional filing fee required under 37 CPR 1. 16of Any patent application processing fees under 3 7 CFPR 1. 17.
4/fl, ICr S~Signature /i t.I,William Bak
Certificate under 37 CFR 1.8(a)I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United States Postal Service as first classmail on the date indicated below in an envelope address to: Asst. Commissioner for Patents, Washington, DC20231.
Date , / L M1ISgntr
i1t, 1.L D
Di'4tc
r , ý',ýz / -_x e- / 7 f SignatureDate
C
tNITED STATES PATENT
In re the Application of:-
James J. Osborne)
Application No.: 09/135,690)
Filed: August 18, 1998)
For: BATHING TIMPLEMENT)
Assistant Commissioner for PatentsWashington, DC 20231
VEXIAUSA
AM) TRADEMARK OFFICE
Examiner: 1Group Art Unit: 1744
CERTIFICATE UNDER 37 CFR 1.8(a)
I hereby certify that this correspondence
is being deposited with the United States
Postal Service as first class mail on the
date indicated below in an envelope addressed
to: Asst. Co missioner for Patents
Washingto tC 20231.
Signature A, , 8___________
Date IA- (SW uIr
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMNihT
Dear Sir:
In compliance with their duty to disclose under 37 CFR § 1.56(a), Applicant and his
attorney herewith submit a copy of each document identified on the attached Form PTO-
1449, and request that they be considered in the examination of the above-identified patent
application. This Information Disclosure Statement is being filed before the mailing date of
the first office action on the merits pursuant to 3 7 CFR § 1. 97(b)(3).
U.S. Patent No. 5,144,744 issued to Campagnoli discloses a mesh bath sponge- made
fromn netting. t-ubes.
The remaining U.S. patents disclose various cleaning and abrasive scrubbers used to
scour dishware, kitchen utensils, floors, and other kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
No representation is made hereby that these documents provide all of the art and the
Examiner is presumed to conduct an independent search of the art. However, these
documents do form all of the relevant art of which the Applicant is presently aware. If
Applicant becomes aware of additional relevant art during the prosecution of this application,
Applicant will bring such art to the attention of the Examiner by means of a Supplemental
Information Disclosure Statement.
The Examiner is respectfully requested to consider the enclosed documents and to
make the same of record in the file of the present application.
In the event that a fee for the Information Disclosure Statement is required, please
charge the fee to our Deposit Account No. 08-3040.
Respectfully submitted,HOWSON AND HOWSONAttorneys for Applicants
By__ _William BakReg. No. 37,277Spring House Corp. CenterBox 457Spring House, PA 19477(215) 540-9208
2
_____________________________Sheet I of I
Form PTO- 1449 Atty. Docket No. Serial No. 09113 5,690U.S. Patent and Trademark Office VXAS
INFRMAIONDICSTATEMENT 0
L% Applicant: OsborneFling Date: Group Art Unit: 1744
-~ August 18, 1998___ <PAD'U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS ___
Examiner Document No. Date Name Class Subclass
Initial _____Ys N
Examiner8 8/26 DtCosDere
*Earxir:Lmia i ctaio,cnsdee,66 whether 7 orntctto sioFormacrieMEs0;trwlnetog
APPLICATION NUMBER FILING DATE FIRST NAMED APPLICANT ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
EXAMINER
ART UNIT PAPER NUMSE
SDATE MAILED:
INTER VIEW SUMMARY
All participants (applicant, applicant's representative, PTO personnel):
(1) ý f A- ,v e
(2) 1 - 0
(3)~
(4)_
Date of Interview - -7 Z/ 9Type: eleZhonic O Televideo Conference EB Personal (copy is given to Elapplicant EU applicant's representative).
Exhibit shown or demonstration conducted: E]Yes R<1--ifles, brief description:
Agreement ?3'wasreached. EU was not reached.
Description of the general nature of what was agreed to if an agreement was reached, or any o er commMis-a-
(A fuller description, if necessary, and a copy of the amendments, if available, which the examiner agreed would render the claims allowablemust be attached. Also, where no copy of the amendments which would render the claims allowable is available, a summary thereof must beattached.)
EL illis not necessary for applicant to provide a separate record of the substance of the interview.
Unless the paragraph above has been checked to indicate to the contrary. A FORMAL WRITTEN REPLY TO THE LAST OFFICE ACTION16 NOT W VAIVED) AND muS I INUýLUUL THE SUBSTANCE OF THE INTERVIEW. (See MPEP Section 713.04). If a reply to the last Officeaction has are ready been filed, APPLICANT IS GIVEN ONE MONTH FROM THIS INTERVIEW DATE TO FILE A STATEMENT OF THESUBSTANCE OF THE INTERVIEW. -
Examiner Note. You must sign this form unless it is an attachment to another form,
UNITEDES ES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCEPatent anri trademark OfficeAddress: COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARK
Washington, D.C. 20231
or
(ýý7-z ).
W' 04V
UNITED STATES DEPAP 'ENT OF COMMERCEAddess CMMISINEROFPATWSAND TRADEMARKSWashington, D.C. 20231 vý
APPUIQAX>0N NUMBER FILING DATE FIRST NAMED APPLICANT ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
fl-. 1 1:,. X). IJ; q IA'-UI(\LIv. h E!
HI~~ ~ i.t.3¼1, n. [IIN ,j
C1 Fk ' I N I'1 HFIIGIE I'- RI-DR ATE C,E" N-IJ E I:",'f:', I- IFiI -i --1 7
EXAMINER
F ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER
DATE MAILED;
This is a communication from the examiner In charge of your application.COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
NOTICE OF ALLOWABILITY
All claims being allowable, PROSECUTION ON THE MERITS IS (OR REMAINS) CLOSED in this application. If not included herewith (orpreviously mailed), a Notice of Allowance and Issue Fee Due or other approy1 iate commu .cation will be mailed in due course.
?Thscommunication is responsive to ZVe ;KlZ'The allowed claim(s) is/are -71 ?, I V -17____
H] The drawings filed on _____________ are acceptable.
H] Acknowledgement is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. §11 9(a)-(d).
Hl All HI Some* H_ None of the CERTIFIED copies of the priority documents have been
H7 received,
Hreceived in Application No. (Series Code/Serial Number) _____________________
received in this national stage application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
"Certified copies not received:
HAcknowledgement is made of a claim for domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e).
A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR RESPONSE to comply with the requirements noted below is set to EXPIRE THREE MONTHSFROM THE "DATE MAILED" of this Office action. Failure to timely comply will result in ABANDONMENT of this application. Extensions oftime may be obtained under the provisions of 37 CFR 1. 136(a).
7Note the attached EXAMINER'S AMENDMENT or NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPLICATION, PTO-152, which discloses that the oath or
Sd ation is deficient. A SUBSTITUTE OATH OR DECLARATION IS REQUIRED.
Apprlficaant M UST s ub mit N EW FO0R MAL D RAWI NG S
Libecause the originally filed drawings were declared by applicant to be informal.
F4including changes required by the Notice of Draftperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948, at1 had ýherele-r to Paper No. ___
17 including changes required by the proposed drawing correction filed on ______________,which has been approvedby the examiner.
Hl including changes required by the attached Examiner's Amend ment/Comnment,
Identifying indicia such as the application number (see 37 CFR 1.84(c)) should be written on the reverse side of the drawings.
The drawings should be filed as a separate paper with a transmittal letter addressed to the Official Draftperson.
E] Note the attached Examiner's comment regarding REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEPOSIT OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL.
Any response to this letter should include, in the upper right hand corner, the APPLICATION NUMBER (SERIES CODE/SERIAL NUMBER).It applicant has received a Notice of Allowance and Issue Fee Due, the ISSUE BATCH NUMBER and DATE of the NOTICE OFALLOWANCE should also be included.
Attacpdent(s)
14 Notice of References Cited, PTO-892
1, ýInformation Disclosure Statement(s), PTO-1449, Paper No(s). ___
LK ýNotice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948
Ll Notice of Informal Patent Application, PTO- 152
El Interview Summary, PTO-413
HExaminer's Amendment/CommentpjAtE 41
Hl Examiner's Comment Regarding Requirement for Deposit of Biological Material
I. An examiner's amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or
additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.3 12.
To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment
of the issue fee.
Authorization for this examiner's amendment was given in a telephone interview with Mr.
flak on July 9, 1999.
2. The application has been amended as follows:
IN THE CLAIMS:
Cancel claims 18 and 21.
Clam , in 9 ate "",iner -and wherein a decorative design is formed on said
collar---,___ ___ __
Claim 19, line 8, after "collar", insert - and wheri ade o tve esg isf m don ad
The above changes were made to amend claims 8 and 19 to define over the patent to
Abraham '779 (Fig. 11).
Application/Control Number; 09/135,690 Page 3
Art Unit' 1744
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner
should be directed to Randall Chin whose telephone number is (703) 308-1613.
Any inquiry of a general nature concerning the status of this application should be directed
to the receptionist of Group 1700 whose telephone number is (703) 308-0661.
Any responses made by facsimile should be addressed to Randall Chin at (703) 305-3599
or (703) 305-7719.
R. ChinJuly 9. 1999
TO SEPARATE, HOLD TOP AND BOTTOM EDGES, SNAP-APART AND DISCARD CARBON
FORM PTO-892 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SERIAL NO- ROUP ART UNIT ATTACHMENT(REV. 2-92) PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE / ~ f/TO/
PAPER 2
NOTICE OF REFERENCES CITED APPLICANT(S)
________________U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS __
SUB- FILING DATE IF* DOCUMENT NO. DATE NAME CLASS CLASS APPROPRIATE
A 3_//1/1f : xA/eý Y2 oB
C
D
E
F
G
H
K
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
SUB- PERTINENT*DOCUMENT NO. DATE COUNTRY NAME CLASS CLASS SHATS. PP,
________________DWG SPEC.-
M
N
0
P
Q
OTHER REFERENCES (Including Author, Title, Date, Pertinent Pages, Etc.)
R
S ___
T
U.
EXAMINER DT
*A copy of this reference is not being furnished with this office action.(See Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, section 707.05 (a).)
NOTICE OF DRA.FTSPERSON'S'PAThNT DRAWING REVIEW
The drawing(s) filed (insert datepIj } are:A. EZ approved by the DraftspersdnuAnder317 FR 1.ý841 or 1. 152.BCi_ef objected to by the Draftsperson under 37 CFR 1.84 or 1.152 for the reasons indicated below. The Examiner will requiresubm%.sion of new, corrected drawin gs when necessary. Cor(ected drawing must be surnitted according to the instructions on the back of this notice.
-Color drawings are not acceptable until petiton is granted.Fig(s) ikntpritd i()_____Pencil and non black inknotpemited Fi(s
2. PHOTOGRAPHS. 37 CFR 1.84 (b)I full-tone set is required. Fig(s) ______
Photographs not properly mounted (must use brystol board orphotographic double-weight paper). Fig(s) _____
FOOr quality (half-tone). Fig(s) ______
3. TYPE OF PAPER. 37 CPR 1.84(e)Paper not flexible, strong, white, and durable,Fig(s) I_____Erasures, alterations, overwritings,'interlineations,folds, copy machine marks not accepted. Fig(s)._,____
-Mylar, svelumn paper is not acceptable (too thin).Hig(s) _______
4. SIZE OF PAPER. 37 CFR 1,84(f). Acceptable sizes:21.0 cm by 29.7 cm (DIN size A4)21.6 cm by 27.9 cm,n(8 1/2lx.11 inches)All drawing shoeets not the same size.
)1I a_:ings sheets. not an acceptable size. Fig(s)5M A R$INS. 37 CF'R 1 .84(g): Acceptable margins:
Top 25c, .t5cm Rightl1.5cm Bottom 1 0cmSIZE: A4 Size
Top.2.5 cm. Left 2-5 cm Right 1.5 cm'boff(im 11.0 cmSIZE: 8 1/2 x1I1
Margins not acceptable. Fig(s) _____
___ Top (T) ____Left NL_____Right (R) ____ Bottom (B)
6- VIEWSý 37 COR 1.84(h)REMINDER: Specification may require revision tocorrespond to drawing changes.Partial views. 37 CFR 1.94(h)(2)
Brackets needed to show figure as one entity.Fig(s) _____
Views not labeled separately or Properly.Fig(s) _____
-Enlarged view not labeled separetely or properly.Fig(s) _____
7- SECTIONAL VIEWS. 37 CFR 1.84 (h)(3)-Hatching not indicated for sectional portions of an object.
Fig(s) _____
Sectional designation should be noted with Arabic orRoman numbers. Fig(s) ____
8. ARRANGEMENT OF VIEWS. 37 CFR 1.84(i)Words do not appear on a horizontal, left-to-right fashionwhen page is either upright or turned so that the topbecomes the right side, except for graphs. Fig(s) _____
9. SCALE. 37 CFR 1.84(k)___Scale not large enough to show mechanism without
crowding when drawing is reduced in size to two-thirds inreproduction.Fig(s) _____
10. CHARACTER 0O- LINES, NUMBERS, & LETTERS.37 CFR 1.84(i)
___Lines, numbers & letters not uniformly thick and welldefined, clean, durable, and black (poor line quality).Fig(s) _____
11. SHADING. 37 CFR 1.84(m)___Solid black areas pale. Fig(s) ______
___Solid black shading not permitted. Fig(s) _____
___Shade lines, pale, rough and blurred,'Fig(s) _____
___Solid black shading not used for color contrast,Fig(s) _____
COMMENTS
TELEPHONE NY6&./- OO
ATTACHMENT TO PAPER NO.
Furi ET 94 (Re. 898) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE -Patent and Trademark Office Application No. 0 '7/!. 5 7
I
Form PTO 949 (Rev. 8-99)
4W UNITED STATV 0EPARTMENT OF COMMERCE/iFN Patent and Tra -mnark Office
NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE AND ISSUE FEE DUE
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and the names of up to 2 registered patentC] "Fee Address* Indication (or *Fee Addiress' Indication form PTO/SB/47) attached. attorneys or agents. If no name Is listed, no
name will be printed. 3_____________
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NOTE: The Issue Fee will not be accepted from anyone other than the applicant; a registered attorney 10/07/1999 STEFERRI 00000097 083040 09135690or agent, or the assignee or other party In Interest as shown by the records of the Patent and60.0 PTrademark Office. 1 01 FC:242 0.0O
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STANLEY B KITAG,EORGE- ANTHONY SMITH, JRMAHY ELIZABETH BlAKGAl HY A KODROIFFWILSON OBFRIDORFERCHAR1,F S M ALLENHENRY HANSENIRFNE J FRHANG,OSWILLIAM RAK
HOWSON AND HOWSONATTORNEYS Al LAW
&&zAha Y858 Je A4dar$a$aSPRING HOUSE CORPORATE CENTER
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BOX ISSUE FEEAsst. Commissioner for PatentsWashington, D.C. 20231
Re: U.S. Serial No. 09/135,690 - BATHING IMIPLEMENT
Dear Sir:
We enclose our check in the amount of $605, together with the Issue Fee Transmittal
Form (PTOL-85Sb), in payment of the issue fee for the above-identified patent application.
In the event that a check for the issue fee is missing or insufficient, please charge the fee
to our Deposit Account No. 08-3040.
Respectfully,
HOWSON ANT) H-OWSONAttorneys for Applicant
By: l i(William BakRegistration No. 37.277
CEWMIFCATh UNDER 37 CF1R 1.8(a)I hereby certffy that this correspotndence is beingdeposited with the United States Postal Service asfirst class mail on the date indicated below ini anenvelope addressed to: Asst. Conintisioner for PatentsWashington, IDC 20231
Signatitre (
Date October 4, 1999
)JJi2
\ýr E1ASIN TUE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
In re the Application of
James J. Osborne
Appln. No.: 09/135,690
Filed: August 18, 1998
For: BATHING IMPLEMENT
))))))))))
Box ISSUE FEEAssistant Commissioner for PatentsWashington, DC 20231
Examiner: Randall E. ChinGroup Art Unit: 1744
Issue Batch No.: W38
CERTIFICATE UNDER 37 CFR 1.8(a)
I hereby certify' that this correspondence
is being deposited with the United States
Postal Service as first class mail on the
date indicated below in an envelope addressed
to: Asst. Commissioner for Patents
Washington, DC 2023 1.
Signature
Date -S?/ Xzv (/ WI c
Attn: Official Draftsperson
TRANSMITTAL OF FORMAL DRAWINGS
Sir:
In response to the Notice of Allowance dated July 29. 1999. kindly substitute the
enclosed three (3) sheets of formal drawings (FIGS. 1 -4B3) for the informal drawings
submitted in the above referenced application.
You are authorized to charge any fees for this substitution to our Deposit Account No.
08-3040.
Respectfully submittedHOWSON AND HOWSON
By: 4-ýWilliam BakReg. No. 37,277Spring House Corporate CenterBox 457Spring House, PA 19477(215) 540-9208
Encs.
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Application or Docket Number
PATENT APPLICATION FEE DETERMINATION RECORD CP-ý h Y52OEffective October 1, 1997 /--
'C'
V-i K> CLAIMS AS FILED - PART I SMALL ENTITY OTHER THANS(Column 1) (Column 2) TYPE [= OR SMALL ENTITY
FOR NUMBER FILED NUMBER EXTRA RATE FEE RATE FEE
RASIC FEE 395.00 03790.00
TOTAL CLAIMS minus 20- =x$1 1= OR X$22=
INDEPENDENT CLAIMS } minus 3= I x4l= OR x82=MULTIPLE DEPENDENT CLAIM PRESENT
If lthe difference in column 1 is less than zero, enter "O' In column 2 O 2 0
TOrAL 777 OR TOTAL
CLAIS ASAMEDED PAR 11OTHER THAN(Clm )(Column 2) (Column 3) SMALL ENTITY OR SMALL ENTITY
<9REMAINING NUMBER PRESENT ADDI- ADD[-
Z AFTER PREVIOUSLY ETA RATE TIONAL RATE TOA111 " L AMENDMENT ~.~ ADFRFEE FEE
2 Total *MinusO x$11= OR x$22=2 -W Independent *Minus () OR x82=
FIRST PRESENTATION OF MULTIPLE DEPENDENT CLAIM +135= OR +270=
CLAIMS tHIGHESTADIAD-o ~ REMAINING NUMBER PRESENTAD-AD-I- ~ AFTER k RVOSY ETARATE TIONAL RATE TIONAL
2 AMENDMENT PAID FOR FEE FEE
w
LJIndependent *Minus x4l= OR x82=2 _
FIRST PRESENTATION OF MULTIPLE DEPENDENT CLAIM +135= OR +270=
It the entry in column I is less than the entry In column 2, write V0 in column 3. TOTAL OR ADT.OFEE***f the "Highest Number Previously Paid For" IN THIS SPACE is less than 3., enter "3V.O
The "Highest Number Previously Paid For" (Total or Independent) is the highest number found in the appropniate box in column 1
Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE*U.S. Government Priming Otfice, 1997 - 430-571/69194FORM PTO-875 (Rev. 8/97)
Table of Contents i
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In the MPI Family report, all publication stages are collapsed into a single record, based on identical application data. The bibliographic information displayed in the collapsed record is taken from the latest publication.
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Family1
4 records in the family.
AU1303999A 19990531
(ENG) Bathing implement
Assignee: VERVE LTD LLC
Inventor(s): OSBORNE JAMES J
Application No: AU 1303999 D
Filing Date: 19981104
Issue/Publication Date: 19990531
Abstract: NotAvailable
Priority Data: US 6493297 19971107 P X; US 9823440 19981104 W V; US 13569098 19980818 A X;
IPC (International Class): A47L01310; A47L01708
Legal Status: There is no Legal Status information available for this patent
[ no drawing available]
CN1249671A 20000405
(ENG) Bathing implement
Assignee: LONGXING ENTERPRISE CO LTD CN
Inventor(s): JAMES J CN
Application No: CN 98803103 A
Filing Date: 19981104
Issue/Publication Date: 20000405
Abstract: NotAvailable
Priority Data: US 6493297 19971107 P; US 13569098 19980818 A;
IPC (International Class): A47L01310; A47L01708
Legal Status: There is no Legal Status information available for this patent
Family Bibliographic and Legal Status 2
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US5983435A 19991116
(ENG) Bathing implement
Assignee: VERVE LTD LLC US
Inventor(s): OSBORNE JAMES J US
Application No: US 13569098 A
Filing Date: 19980818
Issue/Publication Date: 19991116
Abstract: (ENG) A bathing implement for use in cleansing and exfoliating skin which can also be utilized as a bath toy by a child or an adult. The bathing implement includes a washcloth component and a collar component which attaches about a portion of the washcloth so that at least one end portion of the washcloth flares outwardly from the collar. Preferably, the washcloth is a flexible mesh sponge and the collar is sleeve-shaped and made of foam or any number of other materials.
Priority Data: US 6493297 19971107 P A; US 13569098 19980818 A A;
IPC (International Class): A47L01310; A47L01708
ECLA (European Class): A47K00702
US Class: 0152091; 01522911; 01522913; D28063; D32040
Agent(s): Howson and Howson
Examiner Primary: Chin, Randall E.
Assignments Reported to USPTO:Reel/Frame: 09598/0037 Date Signed: 19980818 Date Recorded: 19981120 Assignee: VERVE LTD., LLC P.O. BOX 619 748 BETHLEHEM PIKE, SUITE 209 SPRING HOUSE
PENNSYLVANIA 19477
Assignor: OSBORNE, JAMES J.OSBORNE, JAMES J.
Corres. Addr: HOWSON AND HOWSON WILLIAM BAK BOX 457 SPRING HOUSE, PA 19477 Brief: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS).
Reel/Frame: 10871/0399 Date Signed: 20000524 Date Recorded: 20000530 Assignee: OSBORNE, JAMES P.O. BOX 619 704 ABBEYDALE COURT AMBLER PENNSYLVANIA
19002; OSBORNE, KIMBERLEY P.O. BOX 619 704 ABBEYDALE COURT AMBLER PENNSYLVANIA 19002; TRADEWINDS ENTERPRISES, INC. P. O. BOX 619 748 BETHLEHEM PIKE, STE 209 SPRING HOUSE PENNSYLVANIA 19477
Assignor: VERVE, LTD.VERVE, LTD.
Corres. Addr: HOWSON AND HOWSON WILLIAM BAK, ESQUIRE SPRING HOUSE CORPORATE CENTER BOX 457 SPRING HOUSE, PA 19477
Brief: SECURITY AGREEMENT
Reel/Frame: 11887/0786 Date Signed: 20010608 Date Recorded: 20010615 Assignee: TRADEWINDS, INC. P.O. BOX 619 748 BETHLEHEM PIKE, SUITE 209 SPRING HOUSE
PENNSYLVANIA 19477
Family Bibliographic and Legal Status 3
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Assignor: VERVE LTD., LLCVERVE LTD., LLC
Corres. Addr: HOWSON AND HOWSON WILLIAM BAK SPRING HOUSE CORPORATE CENTER BOX 457 SPRING HOUSE, PA 19477
Brief: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS).
Legal Status:Date +/- Code Description20000530 AS ASSIGNMENT New owner name: TRADEWINDS
20010615 AS ASSIGNMENT New owner name: TRADEWINDS, INC. P.O. BOX 619 748 BETHLEHEM PIKE,; : ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VERVE LTD., LLC;REEL/FRAME:011887/0786; Effective date: 20010608;
20010615 AS ASSIGNMENT New owner name: TRADEWINDS, INC. P.O. BOX 619 748 BETHLEHEM PIKE,; : ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VERVE LTD., LLC /AR;REEL/FRAME:011887/0786; Effective date: 20010608;
WO9923928A1 19990520
(ENG) BATHING IMPLEMENT
Assignee: VERVE LTD LLC US
Inventor(s): OSBORNE JAMES J
Application No: US 9823440 W
Filing Date: 19981104
Issue/Publication Date: 19990520
Abstract: (ENG) </patfig>A bathing implement for use in cleaning and exfoliating skin which can also be utilized as a bath toy by a child or an adult. The bathing implement includes a washcloth (A) component and a collar component (B) which attaches about a portion of the washcloth (A) so that at least one end portion of the washcloth (A) flares outwardly from the collar (B). Preferably, the washcloth (A) is a flexible mesh sponge (A) and the collar (B) is sleeve-shaped and made of foam or any number of other materials.
Family Bibliographic and Legal Status 4
MicroPatent Patent Index - an enhanced INPADOC database
Priority Data: US 6493297 19971107 P I; US 13569098 19980818 A I;
IPC (International Class): A47L01310; A47L01708
ECLA (European Class): A47K00702
Designated Countries:----Designated States: AU CA CN MX ----Regional Treaties: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE
Publication Language: ENG
Agent(s): BAK, William Howson and Howson, Spring House Corporate Center, P.O. Box 457, Spring House, PA 19477 US
Legal Status:Date +/- Code Description19990520 (+) AK DESIGNATED STATES Kind code of corresponding patent
document: A1; AU CA CN MX 19990520 (+) AL DESIGNATED COUNTRIES FOR REGIONAL PATENTS Kind
code of corresponding patent document: A1; AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE
19990721 121 EP: THE EPO HAS BEEN INFORMED BY WIPO THAT EP WAS DESIGNATED IN THIS APPLICATION
20000707 NENP NON-ENTRY INTO THE NATIONAL PHASE IN: : CA;20001025 (-) 122 EP: PCT APP. NOT ENT. EUROP. PHASE
USPTO Maintenance Report - PAT 5,983,435 / APP 09/135,690 http://10.224.120.200/PAIR/5983435-PairMF.html
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Patent Bibliographic Data 04/04/2006 03:22 PM
Patent Number:
5983435Application Number:
09135690
Issue Date: 11/16/1999 Filing Date: 08/18/1998
Title: BATHING IMPLEMENT
Status: 8th year fee window opens: 11/16/2006 Entity: Small
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11/16/2006Surcharge Date:
05/17/2007 Expiration: N/A
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Fee Code: 2552 MAINTENANCE FEE DUE AT 7.5 YEARS.
Surcharge Fee Code:
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